Our World surrounded by one of the latest Inventions of man--"The
Flying Machine."
Aviation In Melbourne
Passengers Accompany Harry Hawker To The Clouds.
It was Mr. E. W. Cole's enthusiasm and belief in the ultimate success
of aerial navigation that induced Miss Linda Cole to fly with Mr.
Hawker, the daring young aviator, at Elsternwick recently. Miss Cole
was perfectly calm and collected when entering the biplane, and
showed no signs of "nerviness." During the flight around St. Kilda,
Brighton and Sandringham, and across the waters of Hobson's Bay, she
conversed freely with Mr. Hawker, and commented on the panoramic
views which unfolded themselves below. Miss Cole, having heard that
Mr. Hawker had some intention of flying on a non-stop journey from
Sydney to Melbourne--a distance of 500 miles--was most anxious to
accompany him, provided the Sopwith biplane would carry two persons
in addition to the tank of petrol which would, of course, be
indispensable. Mr. Hawker, however, says he would not take a
passenger should he undertake the journey. Miss Cole is most anxious
for another sea flight, as she is of opinion that the power to see
through the water to the bottom of the ocean is one of the utmost
importance, as it would, in warfare, enable aviators to locate with
accuracy mines in harbours and any other submerged dangers. Her most
ardent wish is to become a lady aviator, and she is contemplating a
trip to Europe to obtain up-to-date instruction in the aerial art.
The reason Miss Cole went up was because her father has always taken
a great interest in aviation, and many years ago offered substantial
prizes to constructors of airships. He has ever evinced great faith
in the ultimate triumph of aerial navigation, and she is glad that
his dreams are being realised. Miss Cole went up on Friday, on the
thirteenth of the month. Friday and the number 13 are considered
unlucky; but all big events in her life have been associated with the
number 13.
[Illustration: Photograph--Crowd around Biplane.]